CSR News

Apr. 30 /CSRwire/ - MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - U.S. Bank,(NYSE:USB) in the spirit of celebrating a time in which Mexico and the United States joined together to defeat a common enemy, will sponsor Cinco de Mayo events and honor the day across its 24-state footprint.

Thousands of U.S. Bank employees will honor the Battle at Puebla, a key battle in the war between Mexico and France in 1862 resulting in the defeat of the invading French army by a small Mexican militia defending their country's sovereignty. The victory at Puebla prevented the French army from marching into Mexico City and overthrowing the Mexican government. The date of May 5 is recognized as a time to honor the bravery and determination of the Mexican militia. Their victory in the face of adversity led to a burst of national pride. Today the date has been adopted as part of the holiday calendar as a celebration of unique Mexican customs, with festive food, beverages and music.

"Cinco de Mayo is just one of many events that U.S. Bank supports as part of a company-wide effort to recognize and embrace significant events in the Hispanic community and deepen our relationships within the Hispanic communities in which we serve," said Alice Perez, U.S. Bank Hispanic market leader. "Not only are we engaged in community celebrations, but we continue to develop products and services that most effectively meet the needs of our Hispanic customers. We also participate in community-based financial education initiatives to reach new customers and provide an understanding of how the American banking system can work for everyone."

U.S. Bank has Spanish-speaking employees in several of its branch offices and Spanish language print materials. On Nov. 1, 2001 U.S. Bank began accepting the Matricula, the official identification of the Consulate of Mexico, as a form of identification for opening an account, as well as the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). U.S. Bank also offers a Spanish-language option on its ATM and customer service line, 1-800-USBANKS.

Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, with assets in excess of $165 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,147 banking offices and 4,929 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of Firstar Bank and U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com and Firstar Bank at firstar.com.

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